Best Whey Protein For Men

Six Whey Protein Powders You Need In Your Gym Bag

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We won’t tell anyone, but are you secretly a tad intimidated by the shake and smoothie bar at the gym? Considering there is often a chalkboard full of options - from ‘boosters’ and vitamins and minerals and more, you might not know exactly where to begin if you’re looking for a healthy go-to chug before or after your workout. One of the most common selections at many studios, health houses, boxes and gyms around the world is ‘whey protein.’ Though there are varying opinions and schools of thought on the nutritional benefits of protein powder, of the many packs available on the market, whey is among the most trusted, given its composition and tasteless-flavor.

Even so, understanding how whey protein impacts your diet, why it might be a beneficial element and how to seamlessly add it to your routine might be confusing — it's not all just mix with water and shake — especially if you’ve been a strictly meat and potato guy for most of your life.

One smart way to begin the investigation process is to take the advice from registered nutritionist and dietitians who have studied the impact of whey protein and can offer their insights on the smartest, easiest ways to give this healthy superstar a shot:

What is Whey Protein?

When you browse the aisle of your healthfood store or supermarket, you might be bombarded with whey protein choices. This is not only normal and common, but a feeling most anyone would have if you've never dropped powdered protein into a shaker bottle before. Instead of trying to understand the back of the label (we’ll get to that later), registered dietitian and nutritionist Keith-Thomas Ayoob, EdD, RD, FAND an associate clinical professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine says to take the guesswork out of it, and get down to the simple details of its composition. As he explains, whey protein is one of the two major groups of proteins that are found in milk. The other protein is called ‘casein’ - and while he notes there are several subgroups of both whey and casein proteins, these two lead the pack. This means when you’re consuming ‘whey’ protein, you’re simply benefiting from the same nutrients and minerals that you would receive from drinking a good ‘ole fashion glass of milk, but with a more concentrated solution and higher dose of protein.

Why is Whey Protein a Healthy Idea?

Ayoob explains that many athletes and gym rats will turn to to whey protein because it’s a fast-absorbed protein. This is essential because after you workout, your body needs to absorb protein that much faster, making whey protein a welcome addition to a post-workout smoothie or shake. “The idea is that after a vigorous exercise, getting high-quality protein to the muscles will help quickly repair and build muscle tissue,” Ayoob says.

If you’re buying whey on it’s own and mixing at home, this is when Ayoob says to be mindful of your labels, especially if you’re using whey as the wind-down after a tough bootcamp or lifting session.

“Labels will usually specify either ‘whey protein concentrate’ or ‘whey isolates.’ Concentrates will still have a little fat and some carbohydrates, while isolates will have mostly just the whey protein. Isolates might be less bioactive, meaning there is less involved in forming enzymes and performing other functions,” he explains. While either will get the job done, it’s up to your preference on how pure you want your whey-powered meal to be.

The other protein - casein - is absorbed much slower, according to Ayoob. While you might not think you need both, Ayoob says, like with most things in life, balance is key. “A good mix is having both: one for fast availability and one that has sustained ability,” he explains.

How to Incorporate Whey Protein Into Your Diet

Ready to sink your tastebuds in all the whey? Awesome. Here, Ayoob offers some no-brainer ways to make whey protein part of your diet, without having to shift your menu around, and instead, incorporate this superstar powder until dishes and meals you already enjoy:

Add It to Smoothies or Shakes

Once you find a blender that works for you (more on that here), whipping up kale and spinach smoothies, banana and almond butter smoothies and mainly anything you want to mix together because a fast meal replacement. Ayoob calls this the ‘high tech’ way to add whey protein to your diet. Just sprinkle in a pack to give it a boost of protein, while still maintaining the same flavors you enjoy. For an added bonus, he says to add other protein-rich foods, like milk or Greek yogurt, to capitalize on the contents.

Add to Soups, Oatmeals and More

Since most whey protein powders are flavorless, adding a sprinkle to soups, oatmeals, hot cereals and even pancake batter can be a secret way to sneak in extra protein, without sacrificing the meals that you lust after when you’re starved.

Just Drink Milk

If you don’t want to buy powder and instead, see if whey makes a difference for you? Ayoob kicks it old school to the infamous 90’s campaign and suggests that you drink milk after a workout. “Seriously, not only does milk have both casein and whey, but it also has nine essential minerals and vitamins that muscle tissue needs, but it also has some carbs that help your body, without spiking your blood sugar,” he explains.

We Recommend

Naked Whey

If you can’t stand any type of flavor, or your appetite never thirsts for sweets, you want to go with a whey protein that doesn’t taste like dessert. Naked Whey is exactly what it sounds like: the purest, simplest whey you can find. It’s made with 100 percent grass-fed pure whey protein that has zero additives. It is GMO, growth, soy and gluten-free, with no artificial flavors, sweeteners or colors. If shopping local is important to you, you’ll also appreciate that the whey is sourced from a small dairy farm in California, giving you home-bred and raised essential amino acids, clean protein and glutathione. Each serving boasts an impressive 25 grams of protein, and unlike other whey protein powders, this brand cold processes it’s whey to ensure zero contamination from chemical detergents, synthetic additives or heavy metals.$85.49 at Amazon.com

Designer Whey Advanced Single Packs

Ideal for your gym bag, your carry-on while traveling or in the drawer of your desk at the office, these single-serving packs make healthy snacking on the go a mindless task. With 1.38 ounce serving per pack, you’ll received 25 grams of natural whey protein, complete with natural digestive enzymes to support protein absorption. They also offer 100 percent of the daily value of B-vitamins that convert protein to energy that helps supercharge your metabolism. They are rich in calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and electrolytes, all-star players in post-workout recovery. You can also worry less about the ingredients if you have a sensitive stomach, considering these packs have no sugar, artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors or preservatives and they’re gluten-free, too.$33.45 for 12-count at Amazon.com

Premier Protein Bars

The star ingredient in Premier Protein bars, shakes and most of their powders? Whey, all the way! For a busy guy on the go, you might consider their bars, which offer 19 to 20 grams of whey protein per serving, giving you the essential nutrient you need for optimal body function, strength and lean mass. They also all come with 6 grams of sugar or less, so the sweet content doesn’t outweigh the benefit of the protein. Plus, if you’re a picky eater, you’ll enjoy the variety of flavors, including Chocolate Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chewy Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Deluxe and Chocolate Peanut Caramel.$25.65 at Amazon.com

Premier Protein Clear

Want to drink your ‘whey’ to better health? Consider the latest from Premier Protein ‘Clear’ beverages. Especially if you live in a hotter climate or tend to work out in the great outdoors more than you stay locked up in a gym, this light and refreshing source of whey protein might be your best bet. These beverages offer 20 grams of protein, with no sugar, for only 90 calories. $46.00 at Amazon.com

Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydrowhey

As a container to keep at your home when you sneak in a workout at home, Hydro Whey is made with advanced hydrolyzed whey protein isolates, providing an even faster delivery of the protein your body craves. This allows you to get going with your day ASAP, while also serving you 30 grams of pure protein and 9 grams of naturally-occurring and added leucine, isoleucine and valine per scoop.$52.33 for 3.5 pounds at Amazon.com

Bodylogix Natural Grass-Fed Whey

For another natural approach to whey’s benefits, consider this powder that offers NSF-certified ingredients. Sourced from grass-fed cows, sans artificial colors or flavors, this vanilla-flavored pack is ideal for when you need a quick fix after a sweat sesh. If you happen to be sensitive to dairy, this is also a smart solution, considering this whey has a much lower level of lactose than other powders on the market, all while giving you the same benefits.$29.58 at Amazon.com

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